Effect of feeding regime, growth intensity and age at first insemination on performances and longevity of Holstein heifers born during autumn

An experiment was performed on 113 heifers born during three successive autumns (1987, 1988, and 1989) and aimed to study the effect of rearing strategy on performances and longevity. From 4–12 mo of age, heifers were grazing (G) or fed indoors with two levels of a corn-silage based diet (CS) with a high (CSH) or low (CSL) level concentrate. Age at first calving was 24 months (AFC24), but, because of seasonal calving management, some animals calved at 36 months of age (AFC36). From 4–12 mo of age, average daily weight gain (ADG) of G, CSL and CSH heifers was 874, 736 and 890 g/d, respectively. G and CSH heifers had the same ADG from 4–12 mo of age, whereas G and CSL heifers had the same ADG from 4 mo of age until puberty. Puberty was detected for 106 heifers, occurring at 269 (SD = ± 28) d of age at a weight of 286 (± 36) kg. On average, CSH heifers were 28 d younger at puberty (P < 0.001). In AFC24 heifers, fertility after one insemination was higher for CS heifers than for G heifers (77 and 55%, respectively). When heifers were adults, it corresponded to 77 and 96%, respectively. During their 1st lactation, AFC24 (G and CSL) heifers tended to have a higher milk peak than CSH heifers (27.3, 28.8 and 24.7 kg/d, respectively). On average, each cow completed 2.64 lactations (range = 0–7), but this parameter varied significantly (P < 0.05): 2.81 (G), 2.67 (CSL), 2.30 (CSH). Productive life was 852 d long, with significant differences between groups (945, 890 and 663 d for G, CSL and CSH groups, respectively). Culling rate during the first four lactations was around 38%. A deleterious effect of an excessive growth rate between 120 and 300 d, corresponding to body weight varying between 150 and 260 kg, was noted. In practice, this indicates that growth rates should be controlled before puberty, but a high growth rate is possible between puberty and first insemination without major problems.     

牛至油和过瘤胃蛋氨酸组合添加对奶牛瘤胃微生物蛋白产量与养分消化率的影响

本试验旨在研究牛至油(Oo)与过瘤胃蛋氨酸(RPMet)的不同添加组合对奶牛瘤胃微生物蛋白(MCP)产量与养分消化率的影响。选取年龄、体重、胎次、产奶量、乳成分及泌乳期(90±15)d的荷斯坦奶牛40头,分为10个组,每组4头。对照(C)组饲喂基础日粮,试验组饲喂不同添加水平的Oo和RPMet,Oo设置3个梯度,添加量分别为11.5(L)、13(M)、14.5(H)g/(d·头);RPMet设置3个梯度,添加量分别为22.5(L)、25(M)、27.5(H)g/(d·头),共组成9个不同的添加量组合,分别为LL、ML、HL、LM、MM、HM、LH、MH、HH(第1个字母为Oo添加水平,第2个字母为RPMet添加水平)。预试期15 d,正试期60 d。结果表明:各试验组奶牛的微生物蛋白(MCP)产量均有提高,其中MH、ML、LH、LM、HM组的MCP产量显著提高;试验组奶牛的养分表观消化率有提高趋势,其中MH、HM组粗蛋白质消化率极显著提高;HH、MH组中性洗涤纤维消化率显著提高,酸性洗涤纤维消化率极显著提高;MH组干物质消化率显著提高。在本试验条件下,综合考虑瘤胃MCP产量以及各主要养分的表观消化率,以Oo 13 g/(d·头)、RPMet 27.5 g/(d·头)组合(MH组)效果最好。     

Inbreeding depression on production and reproduction traits of buffaloes from Brazil

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of inbreeding depression on traits of buffaloes from Brazil. Specifically, the traits studied were body weight at 205 and 365 days of age, average daily gain from birth to 205 days (ADG_205), average daily gain between 205 and 365 days (ADG205_365) in Mediterranean buffaloes, and milk yield, lactation length, age of first calving and calving intervals in Murrah buffaloes. Inbreeding effects on the traits were determined by fitting four regression models (linear, quadratic, exponential and Michaelis‐Menten) about the errors generated by the animal model. The linear model was only significant (P < 0.05) for growth traits (exception of ADG205_365). The exponential and Michaelis‐Menten models were significant (P < 0.01) for all the studied traits while the quadratic model was not significant (P > 0.05) for any of the traits. Weight at 205 and 365 days of age decreased 0.25 kg and 0.39 kg per 1% of increase in inbreeding, respectively. The inbred animals (F = 0.25) produced less milk than non‐inbred individuals: 50.4 kg of milk. Moreover, calving interval increased 0.164 days per 1% of increase in inbreeding. Interestingly, inbreeding had a positive effect on age at first calving and lactation length, decreasing age of first calving and increasing lactation length.     

Relationships between body weight and milk yield during the early postpartum period and bull and technician and the reproductive performance of high producing dairy cows

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of body weight (BW) change during the early postpartum period and BW on day 50 post partum on the subsequent expression of estrus and fertility at first insemination before day 90 post partum. The data were derived from 1036 postpartum cows reaching 90 days in milk. The following data were recorded for each animal: lactation number, daily milk production at day 50 post partum, calving date, days in milk at estrus and at AI, insemination date, insemination number, inseminating bull, AI technician and body weight at calving, at day 50 post partum and at AI. Of the 1036 cows registered, 817 (78.9%) showed first estrus before day 90 post partum and were inseminated. Using logistic regression procedures and based on the odds ratio a one unit (kg) increase in the daily milk production at day 50 post partum and a one unit (kg) decrease in the BW between calving and day 50 post partum were related to a 1.03-fold increase and a 0.97-fold decrease in the estrus expression rate before day 90 post partum, respectively. Of the 817 cows inseminated before day 90 post partum, 437 became pregnant (53.5%). A one unit increase in the BW at day 50 post partum produced a 1.003-fold increase in the early fertility rate. Pregnancy rate before day 90 was also influenced by the season at calving, bull providing semen and technician. In conclusion, the register of BW during the postpartum period may be a useful tool for evaluating the nutritional status and its relationship with the subsequent reproductive efficiency in dairy cows.     

牛至油和过瘤胃蛋氨酸不同组合对奶牛产奶性能和氮排泄的影响

本试验旨在研究牛至油(Oo)和过瘤胃蛋氨酸(RPMet)的不同添加量组合对奶牛产奶性能与氮排泄的影响。选取年龄、体重、胎次、产奶量、乳成分及泌乳期(90±15) d相近的荷斯坦奶牛40头随机分为10个组,每组4头。对照(C)组饲喂基础日粮,试验组饲喂不同添加水平的Oo和RPMet,Oo添加水平分别为11.5(L)、13.0(M)、14.5(H) g·(d·头)^-1;RPMet添加水平分别为22.5(L)、25.0(M)、27.5(H) g·(d·头)^-1,共组成9个不同的添加量组合,分别为LL、ML、HL、LM、MM、HM、LH、MH、HH(第1个字母为Oo添加水平,第2个字母为RPMet添加水平)。预试期15 d,正试期60 d。结果表明:产奶量方面,LL、HL、HM、MH、HH组产奶量极显著高于对照组(P<0.01),以MH组最高。乳成分方面,MH、HM组乳脂率极显著提高(P<0.01);HM、HH组乳蛋白率极显著提高(P<0.01),各试验组在乳体细胞数均极显著低于对照组(P<0.01)。在氮排泄方面,LL、ML、LM、MM、HM、LH、MH、HH组氮排泄极显著低于对照组(P<0.01),以MH组最低。综合考虑上述指标,在本试验条件下,以MH组[Oo 13.0 g·(d·头)^-1、RPMet 27.5 g·(d·头)^-1]组合效果最好。     

Effects of rumen‐protected methionine on milk production in early lactation dairy cattle fed with a diet containing 14.5% crude protein

We evaluated the influence on milk production of feeding early lactation cows a diet that included 14.5% crude protein (CP) and that did not meet methionine (Met) requirements or that met them by supplying rumen‐protected Met (RPMet). Thirty‐nine multiparous Holstein cows were allocated into two groups. For 15 weeks after calving, each group was fed one of the two total mixed rations, Control (n = 20) or Treatment (n = 19). The Treatment group received added RPMet at 0.034% (8 g/day) of the Control diet on dry matter basis. The adequacies of Met for the Control and Treatment groups were 96% and 106%, respectively, and for other amino acids, >110%. The CP level (14.5%) was 1 percentage point lower than that recommended by the Japanese Feeding Standard (2006). No between‐group differences were found in milk yield (40 kg/day), milk composition, plasma profile, rumen fermentation, nitrogen balance, or cow health. Met intake and the amount of rumen‐undegradable feed Met were higher in the Treatment group (p < 0.05). Microbial Met and total metabolizable Met did not differ between groups. Supplying RPMet in a 14.5% CP diet during early lactation did not dramatically affect milk production, because the amount of total metabolizable Met was unchanged.     

Effect of partly replacing cottonseed cake with Mucuna spp. (var. Ghana) hay on feed intake and digestibility, milk yield and milk composition of zebu cows

The effect of partly replacing cottonseed cake with Mucuna hay (Mucuna spp. var. Ghana) on feed intake, digestibility and milk production of dairy cows was studied using six Zebu cows randomly assigned to three dietary treatments in a replicated Latin square design. All cows were fed hay from natural pastures ad libitum and 1.1 kg molasses as a basal diet, which was supplemented with: (1) 2 kg cottonseed cake (control diet), (2) 1.5 kg cottonseed cake and 1.2 kg Mucuna hay (low Mucuna, LM), and (3) 1.0 kg cottonseed cake and 3.3 kg Mucuna hay (high Mucuna, HM). Dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) intake were similar for all the diets. The addition of Mucuna significantly increased DM and organic matter digestibility, whereas CP, acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre digestibility were similar among the diets. The treatments had no effect on daily milk yield (3.38, 3.43 and 3.38 kg milk) or milk composition (41.1, 43.7 and 42.7 g fat/kg milk; 35.1, 36.4 and 35.9 g protein/kg milk; and 46.1, 45.8 and 45.3 g lactose/kg milk, respectively, for cows fed control, LM and HM diets). The treatments had no significant effect on live weight changes. The results showed that replacing 50% of the cottonseed cake with Mucuna hay had no negative effects on feed intake and digestibility, milk yield or milk composition.     

Influence of replacing corn silage with barley silage in the diets of buffalo cows on milk yield and quality

A 150-day trial was carried out on 40 Italian Mediterranean buffalo cows that, immediately after calving, were equally divided into two homogeneous groups (M and O) based on the number of calving events and previous milk yield. The animals were fed (16 kg dry matter (DM)/head) two isoenergy/isoprotein diets (NEl: 6.39 MJ/kg DM; 15.4 CP% DM), composed of corn (diet M) or barley silage (diet O) concentrate, alfalfa hay, and a vitamin-mineral supplement. The fermentation characteristics of both silage diets were evaluated by an in vitro gas production technique, and their nutritional values were calculated as follows: NEl (MJ/kg DM) = 0.54 + 0.0959 GP + 0.0038 CP + 0.0001733 CP², where GP is the gas production after 24 h of incubation (ml/200 mg DM) and CP is the protein content of silage (g/kg DM). The nutritional values of the silages were slightly different (4.16 vs. 4.14 MJ/kg DM for M and O, respectively) likely due to the high content of hemicellulose in the O diet (22.0 vs. 16.9%). Average milk yield did not differ between the groups; instead, milk fat (8.39 vs. 9.06%; P < 0.01) and protein (4.41 vs. 4.60%; P < 0.01) levels were significantly higher in the O group. The results elicit great interest in southern Italy where corn cultivation is adversely affected by the high cost of irrigation.

     

Holstein Friesians,Dutch Friesians and Dutch Red and Whites on two complete diets with a different amount of roughage: Performance in first lactation

Groups of 20 Holstein Friesian (HF), 23 Dutch Red and White (DRW) and 20 Dutch Friesian (DF) heifers were fed a complete diet with only roughage (a mixture of grass and corn-silage) or the same mixture of roughage with 50% concentrates on a dry matter basis, from 2 months before the first calving until 10 months after calving.No significant breed-feed composition interactions were found for any of the characteristics.The HF, DRW and DF heifers differed significantly in feed intake and milk production. They consumed 4725, 4432 and 4476 kVEM, respectively, and produced 5331, 4562 and 4660 kg milk, respectively, with 3.96, 4.20 and 4.22% of fat, respectively, and 3.25, 3.49 and 3.40% of protein, respectively.The concentrates and roughage groups differed significantly in feed intake, milk production, average body weight and gain. The respective mean values for the concentrates and the roughage groups were: 5160 and 3928 kVEM, 5534 and 4168 kg milk, 4.00 and 4.26% fat, 3.52 and 3.24% protein, 542 and 506 kg body weight and 97 and 38 kg gain, respectively.HF heifers used 51% of their energy intake for milk production (milk energy), DF heifers 49% and DRW heifers 48%. Both feed composition groups used 49% of their energy intake for milk production, but the roughage group used 8% more of the energy intake for maintenance than the concentrates group, as a result of lower energy intake.     

过瘤胃蛋氨酸和肉桂醛组合添加对奶牛产奶性能及氮排泄的影响

本试验旨在研究过瘤胃蛋氨酸(RPMet)和肉桂醛(CA)组合添加对奶牛产奶性能及氮排泄的影响。选取年龄、体重、胎次、产奶量、乳成分及泌乳期[(90±15)d]相近的荷斯坦奶牛40头分为10组,每组4头。对照(C)组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组补饲不同水平的RPMet和CA,其中RPMet设3个水平,分别为20(L)、25(M)、30(H)g/(d·头);CA设3个水平,分别为15(L)、18(M)、21(H)g/(d·头),共组成9个不同水平组合,分别为LL、ML、HL、LM、MM、HM、LH、MH、HH(第1个字母为RPMet添加水平,第2个字母为CA添加水平)。预试期15d,正试期60d。结果表明:1)除LH组外,各试验组产奶量均显著或极显著高于C组(P0.05或P0.01),以HL组最高。2)各试验组乳脂率和乳蛋白率均高于C组,均以HL组最高,与C组均差异极显著(P0.01);各试验组乳体细胞数均低于C组,以HL组最低,与C组均差异极显著(P0.01)。3)除LH组外,各试验组氮表观消化率和氮泌乳转化效率均显著或极显著高于C组(P0.05或P0.01),以HL组最高;LL、ML、HL、LM、MM、HM、LH、MH、HH组总氮排泄量比C组分别降低了17.45%(P0.01)、18.79%(P0.01)、20.80%(P0.01)、10.41%(P0.01)、12.49%(P0.01)、15.22%(P0.01)、3.37%(P0.05)、5.12%(P0.05)、7.43%(P0.05),以HL组最低。结果提示,在泌乳奶牛饲粮中联合添加RPMet和CA可以提高奶牛产奶性能、降低奶牛氮排泄量;综合考虑上述指标,最佳组合为RPMet 30g/(d·头)、CA 15g/(d·头)。     

牛至油和肉桂醛添加组合对奶牛瘤胃微生物蛋白产量与养分消化率的影响

本试验旨在研究牛至油(Oo)与肉桂醛(CA)的不同添加组合对奶牛瘤胃微生物蛋白产量与养分消化率的影响。选取年龄、体重、胎次、产奶量、乳成分相近及泌乳期为(90±15)d的荷斯坦奶牛40头,随机分为10个组,每组4头。对照组(C)饲喂基础日粮,试验组饲喂不同添加水平的Oo和CA,Oo 3个梯度分别为11.5(L)、13(M)、14.5(H)g/(d·头);CA 3个梯度分别为15(L)、18(M)、21(H)g/(d·头),共组成9个不同的添加量组合,分别为LL、ML、HL、LM、MM、HM、LH、MH、HH(第1个字母为Oo添加水平,第2个字母为CA添加水平)。预试期15 d,正试期60 d。结果表明:试验组奶牛的瘤胃微生物蛋白(MCP)产量均有提高趋势,其中LH组效果最好,瘤胃MCP产量比C组提高了12.82%(P<0.05);试验组奶牛在养分表观消化率方面有提高趋势,其中以LH组最优,干物质与粗蛋白质的消化率高于C组(P<0.05),中性洗涤纤维与酸性洗涤纤维的消化率高于C组(P<0.01)。本试验条件下,综合考虑瘤胃MCP产量以及各主要养分的表观消化率,以添加Oo 11.5 g/(d·头)、CA 21 g/(d·头)为最佳。     

Effect of reduced energy density of close-up diets on dry matter intake,lactation performance and energy balance in multiparous Holstein cows

Energy intake prepartum is critically important to health,milk performance,and profitability of dairy cows.The objective of this study was to determine the effect of reduced energy density of close-up diets on dry matter intake(DMI),lactation performance and energy balance(EB) in multiparous Holstein cows which were housed in a free-stall bam and fed for ad libitum intake.Thirty-nine dry cows were blocked and assigned randomly to three groups fed a high energy density diet[HD,n = 13;6.8 MJ of net energy for lactation(NE_L)/kg;14.0%crude protein(CP)],or a middle energy density diet(MD,n = 13;6.2 MJ NE_L/kg;14.0%CP),or a low energy density diet(LD,n = 13;5.4 MJ NE_L/kg;14.0%CP) from d 21 before expected day of calving.After parturition,all cows were fed the same lactation diet to d 70 in milk(DIM).The DMI and NE_L intake prepartum were decreased by the reduced energy density diets(P 0.05).The LD group consumed 1.3 kg/d(DM) more diet compared with HD group in the last 24 h before calving.The milk yield and the postpartum DMI were increased by the reduced energy density diet prepartum(P 0.05).The changes in BCS and BW prepartum and postpartum were not affected by prepartum diets.HD group had higher milk fat content and lower lactose content compared with LD group during the first 3 wk of lactation(P 0.05).The energy consumption for HD,MD and LD groups were 149.8%,126.2%and 101.1%of their calculated energy requirements prepartum(P 0.05),and 72.7%,73.1%and 75.2%during the first 4 wk postpartum,respectively.In conclusion,the low energy density prepartum diet was effective in controlling NE_L intake prepartum,and was beneficial in increasing DMI and milk yield,and alleviating negative EB postpartum.     

Effects of different starch sources on metabolic profile, production and fertility parameters in dairy cows

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of replacing triticale (high rumen degradable starch) with maize grain (low rumen degradable starch) during the transition period and the first 120 days of lactation on metabolic and hormonal profile indices, milk production and fertility performance in cows. Forty-eight Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were divided into 4 groups: TT (2.5 kg triticale grain/cow per day supplemented from 14 days prepartum to day 120 postpartum), TM (2.5 kg triticale grain/cow per day supplemented from day 14 before parturition to calving, and then 2.5 kg maize grain to 120 days of lactation), MT (2.5 kg maize grain/cow per day supplemented from day 14 before parturition to calving, and then 2.5 kg triticale grain to 120 days of lactation), MM (2.5 kg maize grain/cow per day supplemented from 14 days prepartum to day 120 postpartum). Blood samples were collected 3 weeks and 1 week before calving and on days 14, 56 and 70 of lactation, and they were analyzed in terms of concentrations of glucose, insulin, leptin, insulin-like growth factor I, nonesterified fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen and activities of aspartate aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase. Milk samples were collected twice a day at weekly intervals and analyzed for fat, protein and lactose. Milk yield and individual dry mater intake were recorded at weekly intervals. Body condition was estimated 3 weeks before calving, on parturition day and on days 14, 56 and 120 of lactation. Replacing triticale grain with maize grain in the transition period and during lactation positively affected fertility of lactating cows. An increased first service conception rate and shortening of the days open period was observed in MM and TM groups in comparison to those found in group MT (P < or = 0.05). The lowest number of services per conception was recorded in groups MM and TM (P < or = 0.05). Although the impact of milk production and the most of the blood indices were not significantly affected by this treatment, the results of the study suggest that maize grain in the transition period and lactation might be a more effective energy source for dairy cows than triticale grain.     

Broiler responses to digestible threonine at different ages: a neural networks approach

Three experiments were conducted with broiler chickens to evaluate the effects of digestible threonine (DThr) and crude protein (CP) on their performance at three different phases of age: 1–14, 15–28 and 29–42 days. The measured traits included the following: average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass crude protein (CCP), body lipid (BL), feather weight gain (FWG), protein deposited in feather (FCP), carcass plus feather protein (CFCP), carcass Thr deposition (CDThr) and nitrogen excretion (NE). A dilution technique was used to create seven diets (with eight replicates) increasing the DThr content from 1.5 to 10 g/kg of diet for phase 1, 1.3–8.9 g/kg of diet for phase 2, and 1.2–8.2 g/kg of diet for phase 3. Data measured were imported into neural networks (NNs) to: (i) predict the measured traits in response to DThr and CP, (ii) rank the importance of DThr and CP on these traits through sensitivity analysis and (iii) find the optimal levels of DThr and CP that lead to the desired (maximum or minimum) responses. For each trait investigated, 50 different random groups of data were generated using a bootstrapping method. These 50 data groups were then used to develop 50 separate NNs which were subsequently combined to construct the final ensemble NN model. In general, accuracy of the models constructed was acceptable, although models of high (ADG, FCR, CFCP, BL, DThr and NE; 0.64 ≤ R² ≤ 0.99) and low (CCP, FWG and FCP; 0.26 ≤ R² ≤ 0.79) accuracy were obtained. All models developed showed the greatest sensitivity to DThr. This may be explained by the dilution technique diet preparation used in these experiments. Optimization results showed decreases in optimal values of DThr and CP with increasing age for all traits. The highest level of DThr was suggested for minimum BL, followed by minimum FCR, maximum ADG, maximum CFCP, minimum NE and maximum CCP respectively. Results showed that the optimal values of DThr for minimum FCR in phases 1–3 were 8.5, 7.4 and 6.4 g/kg of diet, while these values for maximum ADG were 8.2, 7.2 and 6.4 g/kg of diet respectively.     

Radioimmunoassay of milk progesterone as a tool for fertility control in smallholder dairy farms

This study focused on the use of radioimmunoassay of progesterone in milk for the diagnosis of post-partum ovarian cyclicity and accurate detection of oestrus and non-pregnancy in cows in the artificial insemination (AI) programme in Bangladesh. In Investigation 1, milk samples were collected on day 0 (day of AI), day 9–13 and day 21–24 from 444 milking cows of various breeds presented for the first post-partum insemination by 413 farmers living at 182 villages/regions in Mymensingh District from 6 AI centres and sub-centres. Each cow was then examined three times after each AI until it stopped returning to oestrus. Sixty to 90 days after the last AI, the cows were examined per rectum to confirm the pregnancy. Milk progesterone data on day 21–24 contributed to a clear diagnosis with respect to non-pregnancy in 100% cows, indicating a possible use of this progesterone assay for identifying non-pregnant cows in AI programmes. In Investigation 2, milk progesterone was monitored two times in a month with a 10-day interval in 88 cows. The samples were taken between 10 days after calving and the first detected oestrus, followed by two more samples 10 days apart. The proportion of cows accurately detected in oestrus was 30%. Another 30% were stated to be in oestrus when they were not (false positive) and 40% were not detected when they were in oestrus (false negative). The mean intervals between calving and oestrus and between calving luteal activity were 40 to 362 days (median = 120, n = 82) and 34 to 398 (median = 111, n = 64) days, respectively. The body condition scores at calving and at the initiation of luteal activity influenced the interval between calving and luteal activity (p < 0.05). Cows suckled twice daily initiated luteal activity earlier than their counterparts suckled several times daily (p < 0.05). Determination of progesterone in milk on day 21–24 is a good means for detecting non-pregnant cows.     

Effects of application in spring of urea fertiliser on aspects of reproductive performance of pasture-fed dairy cows

AIMS: To assess if raising concentrations of crude protein (CP) in pasture in spring by the frequent application of urea fertiliser would affect ovarian follicular dynamics, luteal function, onset of oestrus and reproductive performance of dairy cows under farming conditions in New Zealand. METHODS: Spring-calved dairy cows were grazed for 101 days in paddocks that were either not fertilised (Control; n=20) during the course of the study, or were fertilised with 40-50 kg nitrogen (N)/ha every 4-6 weeks (High-N; n=20). Similar generous pasture allowances were offered to both groups. Concentrations of CP in pasture, urea in serum and progesterone in milk were measured. Ovarian follicular and luteal dynamics were determined using ultrasonography. Oestrous behaviour and the number, time and outcome of inseminations were also recorded. RESULTS: Mean concentrations of CP in pasture and urea in serum was higher in the High-N than the Control group (25.2 vs 21.6 and 8.3 vs 5.4 mmol/L for CP and urea, respectively; p<0.001). Intervals between calving and first oestrus, first insemination and conception, the time of first emergence of a dominant follicle, milk progesterone concentration, and the diameter of the corpus luteum (CL) in the first luteal phase did not differ significantly between groups. The interval from calving to first ovulation tended (p=0.10) to be lower and the diameter of the dominant follicle of the oestrous cycle at which cows conceived was greater (p=0.02) in Control than High-N cows. CONCLUSIONS: The use of large amounts of urea fertiliser during spring and the consequent increases in concentrations of CP in pasture and urea in serum did not negatively affect any of the parameters of reproductive performance of pasture-fed dairy cows that were assessed in this study.     

Effect of concentrate crude protein level on grass silage intake, milk yield and nutrient utilisation by dairy cows in early lactation.

Twenty-one multiparous dairy cows were fed concentrates containing three levels (119, 154 and 191 g/kg DM) of crude protein (CP) during the first ten weeks of lactation. Part of the grain and molassed sugar beat pulp was substituted with 0% (RSM0), 15% (RSM15) or 30% (RSM30) repeseed meal. Wilted grass silage was fed ad libitum after calving. The average response between RSM0 and RSM15 was +1.66 kg milk/d per percentage unit change in concentrate CP content. No further response occurred between RSM15 and RSM30. The positive effect of RSM inclusion was seen throughout the experimental period and was associated with increased plasma non esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and decreased plasma insulin concentration one week after calving, and higher efficiency of metabolisable energy utilisation for milk production. Digestibility of the diet remained unaffected. Milk and plasma urea tended to increase with RSM30 indicating excessive supply of rumen degradable protein. Because of the limited potential of cows to compensate for a deficit in feed protein supply by mobilising tissue protein, a substantial milk yield response can be achieved with a moderate level of protein supplementation during early lactation.     

Effect of reduced energy density of close-up diets on dry matter intake,lactation performance and energy balance in multiparous Holstein cows

Energy intake prepartum is critically important to health, milk performance, and profitability of dairy cows. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of reduced energy density of close-up diets on dry matter intake (DMI), lactation performance and energy balance (EB) in multiparous Holstein cows which were housed in a free-stall barn and fed for ad libitum intake. Thirty-nine dry cows were blocked and assigned randomly to three groups fed a high energy density diet [HD, n = 13; 6.8 MJ of net energy for lactation (NE_L)/kg; 14.0% crude protein (CP) ], or a middle energy density diet (MD, n = 13; 6.2 MJ NE_L/kg; 14.0% CP), or a low energy density diet (LD, n = 13; 5.4 MJ NE_L/kg; 14.0% CP) from d 21 before expected day of calving. After parturition, all cows were fed the same lactation diet to d 70 in milk (DIM). The DMI and NE_L intake prepartum were decreased by the reduced energy density diets (P < 0.05). The LD group consumed 1.3 kg/d (DM) more diet compared with HD group in the last 24 h before calving. The milk yield and the postpartum DMI were increased by the reduced energy density diet prepartum (P < 0.05). The changes in BCS and BW prepartum and postpartum were not affected by prepartum diets. HD group had higher milk fat content and lower lactose content compared with LD group during the first 3 wk of lactation (P < 0.05). The energy consumption for HD, MD and LD groups were 149.8%, 126.2% and 101.1% of their calculated energy requirements prepartum (P < 0.05), and 72.7%, 73.1% and 75.2% during the first 4 wk postpartum, respectively. In conclusion, the low energy density prepartum diet was effective in controlling NE_L intake prepartum, and was beneficial in increasing DMI and milk yield, and alleviating negative EB postpartum.     

The interrelationship between crude protein and exogenous porcine somatotropin on growth, feed and carcass measurements of pigs

In three experiments the interrelationship between dietary CP and recombinant porcine somatotropin (rpSt, i.m. daily) on ADG, feed efficiency (F/G) and carcass traits was examined in crossbred Yorkshire gilts and barrows given ad libitum access to their diets during the finishing period (55 to 110 kg BW). Pigs, blocked by BW and gender, were assigned (four/pen) within block. In Exp. 1, 140 pigs were assigned two/gender per pen to each of five pens/block and received a diet of either 12%, 18% or 24% CP (n = 2, 1 and 2 pens/block, respectively). Pigs received rpSt, either 0 or 120 micrograms/kg BW (12% and 24% CP groups) or 60 micrograms/kg BW (18% CP group). When CP was 12%, rpSt decreased ADG and increased F/G (P less than .05), whereas when CP was 18% or 24%, rpSt increased ADG and lowered F/G (P less than .05). Backfat thickness was reduced (P less than .05) by rpSt regardless of CP. In Exp. 2, 120 pigs were assigned two/gender per pen to each of five pens/block and received a diet of 24% CP. Either 0, 15, 30, 60 or 120 micrograms of rpSt/kg BW was administered to each pig. All doses of rpSt increased ADG, lowered F/G and decreased backfat thickness compared with measurements for control pigs (P less than .05). In Exp. 3, 140 pigs were assigned two/gender per pen to each of seven pens/block and received a diet of either 14%, 18% or 24% CP (n = 3, 2 and 2 pens/block, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)